Chartered public finance accountants help public services manage money responsibly, from setting budgets to advising on long-term financial decisions
As a chartered public finance accountant, you could work with organisations such as local councils, central government departments, the NHS, police services, the armed forces, charities and housing associations. You may also work for a private accountancy or consultancy firm that supports public sector clients.
Your work would focus on making sure public money is planned, spent and reported properly. This can include:
- advising budget holders
- checking financial controls
- helping organisations make decisions that deliver value for the public
- preparing accounts.
In private sector roles, the work is often more focused on audit and assurance, reviewing financial systems, improving financial management and advising public or not-for-profit clients.
Responsibilities of a chartered public finance accountant
As a chartered public finance accountant, you could:
- advise budget holders, senior managers and boards on financial decisions
- analyse financial information, accounts and reports, investigate variances and identify trends
- check that public funding is allocated and used appropriately
- manage budgets, cash flow and financial controls
- prepare annual accounts, audit information and financial reports
- support policy planning by providing financial insight
- train or manage staff as you progress into senior roles.
Salary for chartered public finance accountants
- Trainee public finance accountants typically earn £25,000 to £30,000, although pay varies by employer, location and training route.
- Qualified and experienced public finance accountants can typically earn £40,000 to £60,000 or more.
- Senior roles, such as finance manager, head of finance or director of finance, can pay £60,000 to more than £100,000, depending on the organisation, location and level of responsibility.
Benefits may include study support, pension contributions and flexible working. Private sector employers may also offer benefits such as bonuses and private healthcare.
Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Working hours for chartered public finance accountants
You'll usually work 37 to 39 hours a week, typically Monday to Friday. You may need to work extra hours during busy periods, such as year end, audits or major budget deadlines.
During training, you'll need to balance work with study for professional exams, so good organisation and time management are important.
Flexible and hybrid working are available with many employers. Part-time work and job sharing may also be possible, depending on the role and organisation.
Qualifications for chartered public finance accountants
You can enter public finance accountancy with a degree in any subject. You don't need an accountancy or finance degree, although some employers may prefer subjects such as:
- accounting or finance
- business or management
- economics
- mathematics
- politics, government or public administration.
You can also enter without a degree through an HND, an accountancy technician apprenticeship or another employer-supported training route.
In England, the Level 7 Accountancy or Taxation Professional apprenticeship can include the CIPFA qualification and support progression towards CPFA status. However, the government changed the funding rules for Level 7 apprenticeships from January 2026, so not all applicants are eligible for government-funded training. Check your eligibility and the entry requirements for individual vacancies before applying.
There is no direct equivalent to this in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but employer-sponsored options are available.
To become a Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA), you'll need to complete the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification (PAQ), meet CIPFA's practical experience requirements and apply for full membership.
CIPFA's standard minimum entry requirements are three GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 and two A levels, with English and maths included at either level. Equivalent qualifications are accepted. If you don't meet these requirements, you may still be eligible if you're aged 21 or over, have your employer's support and more than three years' relevant work experience.
Employers offering trainee roles may advertise through university careers services, graduate job boards or their own websites. You can also apply directly to organisations that interest you.
Skills for chartered public finance accountants
You'll need:
- analytical and problem-solving skills
- attention to detail
- communication skills
- integrity and professional judgement
- IT and data skills
- numeracy
- teamwork.
Work experience for chartered public finance accountants
Pre-entry experience is useful but not always essential.
Experience in a public sector or not-for-profit setting can help you understand how public services are funded, managed and delivered.
You could look for part-time work, insight days, internships, vacation schemes or volunteering with charities, councils, healthcare bodies, education providers or other public service organisations.
Work in an accounts, finance or audit team can also help you build relevant skills before applying for trainee roles.
Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships available through your university careers service and employer websites.
Employers of chartered public finance accountants
Typical employers include:
- charities and housing associations
- education providers
- healthcare bodies, including the NHS
- local and central government
- police and other emergency services
- public audit bodies
- utility organisations.
These organisations may be publicly funded or operate in the wider public and not-for-profit sectors. In public finance roles, the focus is often on value for money, accountability and the responsible use of funds.
You can also work in private sector organisations that provide audit, consultancy or accountancy services to public sector clients.
Large accountancy firms offering public sector services include:
- Deloitte
- EY
- Forvis Mazars
- Grant Thornton
- KPMG
- PwC.
Specialist accountancy and management consultancy firms also offer advisory, audit and financial management services. With significant experience, you could move into private practice.
Look for job vacancies at:
Recruitment agencies may also advertise roles for qualified and part-qualified applicants, including:
Professional development and career prospects for chartered public finance accountants
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is the main professional body for public finance accountants. The CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification (PAQ) leads to the CPFA designation and covers areas including accountancy, audit, governance, risk, taxation, data analysis, public financial management and business change.
The standard PAQ route includes 400 days of validated workplace experience and evidence of specified professional skills and behaviours. It is structured across four stages:
- CIPFA Certificate in Management and Financial Accounting
- CIPFA Diploma in Financial Management and Audit
- CIPFA Diploma in Governance, Risk and Taxation
- CIPFA Diploma in Public Financial Management, Reporting and Business Change.
Assessment includes online assessments, including a strategic case study, alongside a portfolio demonstrating your practical workplace experience, skills and behaviours. When you register for the PAQ, you'll become a CIPFA student member, giving you access to professional development resources, networking opportunities and publications.
Exemptions from individual PAQ modules may be available if you have relevant academic or professional qualifications. Separate routes towards CIPFA membership are also available for some qualified accountants and experienced senior finance professionals.
Once qualified, you'll need to keep your knowledge and skills up to date through continuing professional development (CPD).
Public finance can offer structured career development, particularly in larger organisations. You may start in an accounting, audit or financial management role and, with experience, progress to senior accountant, finance manager, head of finance or director of finance.
You may also specialise or move between public sector organisations, accountancy and consultancy firms, or into related areas such as audit, financial strategy, business partnering or management accountancy. In local government, for example, you may progress from a specific accounting or audit role to taking responsibility for larger budgets, services or teams.
Progression is often linked to developing your technical expertise alongside your leadership and strategic skills.